S01 led Chen Xu and Yang Jinxia through the empty hall into a slightly smaller room next door. It had a full set of tables and chairs. Though crude, at least there was somewhere to sit.
"Please, sit," it said.
Chen Xu and Yang Jinxia sat as instructed.
S01 stood before them. Under the dim lighting, it appeared especially cold and hard.
It said, "The Shelter was originally established to take in surviving humans. On behalf of everyone at A020 Shelter, I welcome your arrival."
"Let me explain the Shelter's current situation. Several months ago, the Rescue Team arrived, and most of the people relocated with them. They took away the vast majority of supplies, leaving only one Energy Core to maintain the Shelter's daily operations."
"Since resources are limited, the Shelter can currently provide only basic Nutritional Meals and drinking water. Even though you brought an Energy Core, it will be impossible to build a Planting Pod anytime soon..."
Chen Xu waited until it had finished before speaking. "Actually, she is the only one who wants to stay at your base. I'll be leaving shortly."
"Chen Xu, you—" Yang Jinxia's expression changed. She grabbed his arm, her voice anxious.
Chen Xu did not look at her. "I told you that once we got here, we would go our separate ways."
"I was wrong. I apologize." Yang Jinxia bit her lip and looked at him pleadingly. "I promise there will never be anything like this again..."
"Don't say any more."
Chen Xu interrupted her irritably. He let out a long breath, turned to look at her, and said, "Actually, you never really took me seriously, did you?"
"I..." Yang Jinxia looked into his eyes and suddenly found herself unable to continue.
Only then did she realize her mistake. She had